Public feedback opens this weekend on plans for a major State Highway 1 upgrade stretching from the Terrace Tunnel to Kilbirnie in what would be one of the capital’s largest infrastructure projects.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will hold events from November 23 to December 6, allowing residents to view early designs and imagery for the Road of National Significance project, which carries a budget envelope of $2.9 billion to $3.8 billion.
NZTA regional manager system design Kesh Keshaboina said transport experts would be available to answer questions and gather feedback.
“These are significant proposals, and they have the potential to have a major impact on Wellington’s transport infrastructure,” she said.
“The engagement we are planning is a great chance for people to have a good look at what is being proposed, and to have their say before plans and designs are further developed.”
Major components include a second Terrace Tunnel with two southbound lanes, a second Mt Victoria Tunnel with two eastbound lanes and a walking and cycling path, and Basin Reserve upgrades including grade separation of state highway and local traffic.
The investment case, a summary of which was released in August, proposes three lanes on Vivian St in the city centre, three through lanes at Karo Drive’s Willis St intersection, and widening of Ruahine St and Wellington Rd to provide two lanes in each direction.
Tolling would support the construction and maintenance of the road. NZTA projects the upgrades would deliver an up to 40% reduction in travel time variability.
The transport agency said it was continuing extensive engagement with councils, iwi, landowners and other key stakeholders.
Segments of the project were part of the National’s pre-election campaign pledges.
Feedback from the public consultation will be considered during the next design phase.
The indicative timeline shows the investment case phase running through 2025, with property acquisition, design and consenting phases extending into 2027 and 2028.
